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More than 100 charges filed in connection to cellphone store break-ins in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana

Six adults and two juveniles are now facing felony charges

Norwalk Reflector Staff

Mar 4, 2014

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Monday that six adults and two juveniles are now facing felony charges for what investigators believe are at least 61 related cellphone store break-ins in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

According to prosecutors with Attorney General DeWine's Economic Crimes Unit and Special Prosecutions Section, the suspects, who operated in two separate, but related, groups, are accused of committing the "smash and grab" crimes between April 2012 and January 2014.

"These individuals are all from the Dayton area, but they committed crimes all over Ohio, as well as across state lines," DeWine said. "Those with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, Columbus Police Department, and Dayton Police Department worked to connect the dots that tied these crimes together, and we are very grateful for their hard work, as well as the work of all of the other local jurisdictions involved."

The individuals typically targeted Verizon Wireless businesses and are believed to have stolen more than $300,000 in electronics such as Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. The suspects then allegedly sold the devices and spent the money on items such as designer clothing and hotel rooms.

Although the two groups are charged as separate criminal organizations, investigators found that both groups used an identical method of operation, and some suspects are believed to have committed crimes with both sets of individuals.

While the groups didn't target Huron County businesses, they did reach a city in an adjacent county — Ashland. (The list of businesses can be seen below.)

Group #1

According to indictments filed in Warren County last week, members of Group #1 are believed to have committed at least 34 break-ins spanning 27 law enforcement jurisdictions in Ohio and Kentucky. The crimes committed by members of Group #1 are alleged to have happened between April 30, 2012, and November 6, 2013.

A complaint was also filed against a juvenile in connection with Group #1's operation.

Group #2

According to indictments filed in Greene County last week, members of Group #2 are accused in connection with at least 27 break-ins spanning 22 law enforcement jurisdictions in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The crimes committed by members of Group #2 are alleged to have happened between December 27, 2013, and January 31, 2014.

Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity (2)
Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity (1)
Breaking and Entering (3)
Grand Theft (3)
Copy of indictment

Kevin Snowden, 18, Dayton

Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities (2)
Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities (1)
Breaking and Entering (4)
Grand Theft (3)
Copy of indictment

A complaint was also filed against a juvenile in connection with Group #2's operation. Charges against at least one additional suspect are expected to be filed in the future.

Caviness, Jackson, Taylor, Roberson, and Snowden are currently in custody, and a warrant has been issued for Pullen's arrest.

The cases will be prosecuted in conjunction with the Warren County Prosecutor's Office and Greene County Prosecutor's Office. The investigation remains ongoing as investigators follow additional leads into more suspects.

To see lists of businesses targeted and law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation, click on the links below.